Creativity is alive and well in Drogheda!

Photo: Emily Gallagher

This month sees the end of a summer-long project that has left me exhausted but happy. ‘Drogheda Through Our Eyes’ is a project under the guidance of EurAV – the non-profit community media studio in Drogheda. With welcome support from Creative Ireland and Louth County Council I was brought in to provide mentorship to 10 creative individuals while they set about making short audio-visual pieces that represented Drogheda as they saw it. What followed was a wonderful mix of ideas, collaborations and new friendships. We had podcasts, vox pops, aerial collages, artistic imagery and an ambitious short film that was far more complex than anything I had imagined. But it’s been inspiring.

Participants came from all over the world – Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, Nigeria, and, of course, right here in Ireland. The teamwork and collaboration within the group was echoed by support from the local community. Whenever any of the participants set up a camera, the passersby showed great curiosity but also great respect – ensuring that they weren’t ‘spoiling the shot’.

As the filming winds down and the activity moves to editing and finalising the 10 pieces to be released for public viewing, I’m left with some positive realisations. Drogheda has a lot going for it, and, despite the grumblings and complaining, Drogheda people feel proud of their town. Also, the newer members of the community are adopting this same sense of community and pride. And, thirdly, we’re very fortunate to live in a country where the powers that be recognise the importance of creative expression and make funding opportunities available to allow creatives to create!